CRF Photo Gallery 2015-2016

Alina Geangu, Plant BiologyFaculty Mentor: Jeffrey Diez, Plant Biology Project Title: The effect of climate and forest disturbances on the growth of Calocedrus decurrens at the southern and northern portion of its California range

Memberships: BEUSA, STEM Awards: Myron T. Winslow Scholarship Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: Alina plans to take a year off, then apply for a graduate degree from the Botany/Plant Sciences department at Oregon State University. Words of Wisdom: “Do not take for granted the opportunities that the Chancellor's Research Fellowship Program provides. Most importantly, however, value your time at UCR, as it is a place of learning and experience. Also, never think you have enough time!”

Memberships: Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society, ASME President, University Honors, NASA Intern, SHPE, SWE, SACNAS, Great Minds in Stem HENAAC Scholar Awards: Bunton Waller Fellow at Penn State, UCR Eugene Cota-Robles Graduate Fellowship, UCR 2015 Best Poster, ASME John and Else Gracik Scholarship, HSI NASA OSSI Conference Correspondent Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: In fall 2016 Cody enrolled in the in the Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering department's Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering program at Pennsylvania State University. His research focuses on molecular dynamic simulation in the wettability of 2D materials. Words of Wisdom: “Being a CRF isn't about the funding or about the meetings; it is about striving to make a difference with your research and being recognized for your work. By becoming a CRF, you encourage others to follow the same path.”

Memberships: Western Psychological Association, Psi Chi (international honor society in Psychology) Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: After graduation, Cynthia plans to continue working in a research lab (hopefully as a lab manager) and work as a behavioral therapist to children with autism. After a gap year, she will apply to grad school for a PhD in Cognitive Psychology Words of Wisdom: “My experience as a CRF has been one filled with personal, professional, and intellectual development. I have gained more confidence in my own abilities, especially in the research lab. It’s been an incredible learning experience for which I am beyond thankful.”

Memberships: Golden Key International Honour Society Awards: Dean’s Academic Distinction Award 2014-15, Chancellor’s Honors List 2014-15, Dean’s Honors List (Fall 2014, Winter/Spring 2015) Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: Honeiah will be working on a post-baccalaureatein Speech-Language Pathology at California State University, Los Angeles. After that, she hopes to pursue a masters and ultimately become a Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology. Words of Wisdom: “The CRF program was not only indispensable in helping me hone my skills as a researcher, but also in making connections with students from other disciplines. It provided me with the opportunity to take on a project on my own and see my potential as a researcher.”

Conference Presentation(s): The Dynamic Social Agency of the Kālacakra Sand Mandala—Oral Presentation, American Academy of Religion Western Regional Conference, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, April 2016 The Dynamic Social Agency of the Kālacakra Sand Mandala—Oral Presentation, Western Regional Honors Council Conference, this year hosted by UCR's Honors Department, Riverside, CA, April 2016 The Dynamic Social Agency of the Kālacakra Sand Mandala—Oral Presentation, UCR Undergraduate Research Symposium, UCR, April 2016

Future Plans: In 2016/2017 Sierra served as the Editor-In-Chief of the UCR Undergraduate Research Journal. In fall 2017 enrolled in the South Asian Studies Master of Arts program at the University of Michigan. Words of Wisdom: “Not only will the CRF help you sharpen your research and writing skills, it will also provide professional development that’s both meaningful and fun. Enjoy this time! You are all flowers about to bloom.”

Memberships: University Honors Awards: UC Regents Scholarship, UCR Alumni Association Brithinee Scholarship, UCR Alumni Association Sher-Right Scholarship Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: In fall 2016 Madeline enrolled in UC San Diego’s Biomedical Sciences Ph.D. program. Words of Wisdom: “The CRF experience has given me the perspectives and tools needed to be successful in my education and beyond. I encourage everyone to focus on developing their identities as scholars and ambassadors of UCR and the research community at large.”

Memberships: University Honors Awards: Honors Leadership Scholarship (2x), Dean’s Honor List Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: Andrew is currently applying to medical schools. Words of Wisdom: “I applied to the Chancellor's Research Fellowship in order to enhance my learning through an independent research project. CRF has done that and so much more, giving me the opportunity to meet the Chancellor learning from the deans from various UCR colleges.”

Awards: UCR Highlander Excellence Scholarship Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: In 2016/2017 Akhila worked as a Youth Counselor at Pacific Lodge Boys' Home, and as Lab Manager in Dr. Elizabeth Davis' Emotion Regulation Lab for the coming year. Her long term plan is to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Words of Wisdom: “The CRF fellowship has made possible for me not only to carry out my research project, but to explore both my own ambitions and the vast international opportunities that are available for me to achieve my goals.”

Memberships: University Honors, Academic Resource Center Supplemental Instructor, Golden Key International Honour Society Awards: Chemistry 125 Fall 2014 Best Poster Award, Certificate of Outstanding Dedication: Cardiovascular Unit 2014 B Rotation Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: Anthony plans to apply to M.D./Ph.D. programs. In 2017 he volunteered in Dr. Juli Unternaehrer's Lab at Loma Linda University. Words of Wisdom: “The CRF made my project possible, but I gained much more. Professionally, I have grown as a scientist and as a student from the opportunities opened to me, and I shall carry it with me no matter where I go.”

Awards: Dean’s Academic Distinction Award 2015, Dean's Honors List, Robert and Kathleen Grey Endowed Fund for Undergraduate Student Support Graduation: June 2017 Future Plans: In fall 2017 Melanie enrolled in the Fine Arts in Theatre Directing, M.A. at DePaul University in Chicago.. Words of Wisdom: “Please know how exciting this upcoming year is going to be for you! It is going to have its ups and downs, and will seem like a whirlwind, but your projects are all going to be amazing!”

Memberships: University Honors, Tau Beta Pi, Sigma Xi, Golden Key International Honour Society , Student Editorial Board—UCR Undergraduate Research Journal Awards: 2016/2017 Fulbright Research Award (Germany) at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 2016 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program (NSF GRFP), 2015/2016 Goldwater Scholarship Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: For her Fulbright research project Julianne conducted research in Germany on hardwater lakes. In Fall 2017 she enrolled in the Ph.D. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Yale University. Words of Wisdom: “UCR is very focused on undergraduate students getting involved in research early, and the CRF has given me the chance to take my experience to a higher level. It has set me up for success that I never thought was possible.”

Future Plans: In fall 2017 Jennifer will enroll in the M.S. in Ecology and Conservation at Cal State Fullerton.Words of Wisdom: “Without the CRF program, my research could not have gone as well as it did, and I would not have had the opportunity to learn about research in other fields and possible career paths in academia.”

Brandon Tran, PsychologyFaculty Mentor: Kate Sweeny, PsychologyProject Title: Use of Medical Jargon by Doctors as a Predictor of Patient Outcomes

Memberships: Phi Beta Kappa, University Honors Awards: 2016 Eugene Cota Robles Award—UCR, Highly Commended Entrant in the 2015 International Undergraduate Awards Graduation: June 2016 Future Plans: In fall 2016 Brandon enrolled in the Ph.D. in Psychology program at UCR. Words of Wisdom: “Being a Chancellor's Research Fellow has been a priceless experience in fostering my development as a researcher and preparing me for future graduate endeavors. It provides a unique opportunity to really get to know and work alongside your factory advisor, explore caveats of the field, and gain insight into what you're passionate about.”

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